Vitosha, Rila and Pirin – the great snowshoeing adventure (8 days)

Revel in the beauty of nature amid winter. Sense the calm of winter magic in three of Bulgaria’s best-loved mountains: the Vitosha Nature Park, Rila and Pirin national parks. Our snowshoeing trek passes old mountain forests, high plateaus, steep slopes and valleys, tiring us pleasantly before an evening spent in a peasant family hotel with a glass of red wine with appetizing local specialties. The itinerary includes a call at one of Bulgaria’s most renowned sights: the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery.

Snowshoe walking appears easy fun, yet calls for some stamina because any walking through snow can be tiring. Even if you have not tried this type of locomotion, you will rapidly get used to using the poles and snowshoes on thick, fluffy virgin mountain snow. The program is moderate to difficult and suitable for people in good physical shape. Depending on the weather and snow cover, your guide may change the proposed routes.

Day 1: We meet you at Sofia Airport and transfer you to the hotel where the group will overnight.Day 2: Today, we traverse Vitosha: the most popular destination for Sofianites. Starting from the Aleko Hut, we shall trek along the crest of the mountain through the Torfeno Branishte Nature Reserve to the famous Zlatni Mostove (Golden Bridges) stone rivers. We then transfer for overnight in a cozy family-run pension in the village of Govedartsi, Rila Mountains. (4-5hrs of walking, climbing 150m/490ft and descending 600m/1970ft)Day 3: After breakfast we transfer to the nearby resort Malyovitsa. From there we start climbing up towards Yonchevo Lake. As we walk out of the woods we will enjoy the panorama to the neighbouring peaks and deep valleys of Rila. Eventually we walk down through an old coniferous forest to get back to Maliovitsa along a different route. (5hrs of walking, climbing 550m/1800ft and descending 550m/1800ft)Day 4: Today’s aim is to get to the foot of Bulgaria’s, and the Balkans’, highest summit: Musala Peak (2925m/9594ft). We climb to the starting point of the route by cable car from the Borovets Resort and then continue snowshoeing to the highest mountain refuge in Bulgaria – The Icy Lake. At this point the rugged summit of Musala will be facing us from a very close distance, but as long as the last stage will require the use of ropes and crampons in winter we will have to skip this part. Then we turn back along the same route to overnight at Govedartsi again. (5,30 hrs of walking, climbing 850m/2790ft and descending 850m/2790ft)Day 5: A brief transfer takes us to the Panichishte Resort where we board a cable car to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque for a tour among the lower five of them. Though frozen and covered in thick snow in winter, the area remains rather pretty. Our day ends in a cosy family hotel at the famous ski resort of Bansko in Pirin Mountains, where we stay for the next two nights. (5hrs of walking, climbing 350m/1150ft and descending 350m/1150ft)Day 6: Another short transfer takes us above Dobrinishte resort to board the chair cable car to the Bezbog Hut. This is the setting-off point for the hiking trek to the Bezbog (No God) Peak (2645m high). Stunning panoramas of the neighbouring summits and ridges will be accompanying us as we make our way to the top. Transfer back to Bansko. (4-5hrs of walking, climbing and descending 400m/1315ft).Day 7: We leave Pirin and transfer to one of Bulgaria’s top tourist attractions: the Rila Monastery listed by UNESCO. The latter is the largest and most significant Bulgarian Orthodox Church establishment. The 20m high walls shelter impressive cloisters, a church, and a chapel with unique murals and museum collections. A short walk can be performed in the area to the cave of St. John of Rila (the monastery founder) or to the picturesque sandy pyramids of Stob. Then we continue on to Sofia, where we have gala dinner and last overnight. (1-2hrs of walking, climbing 100m/330ft and descending 100m/330ft)Day 8: Transfer to Sofia Airport.

Price: 690 € per person in twin/dbl roomSingle room supplement: 90 € (obligatory for all individual clients)
Group size:The tour is meant for international groups, but can also be organized on a private basis (the price above is based on at least 6 persons traveling together); smaller private groups or individuals – please contact us for a price offer;
Price includes: transfers to and from Sofia Airport (on first/last tour date only) and all other transfers in the itinerary; accommodation and catering as in the itinerary; English-speaking mountain guide; hire of snow shoes and poles; cable car tickets and all local taxes.Price does not include: museum entry charges; extra food and drink; mountain maps; medical insurance; personal expenses.Best period: January – March

"Great 8 days snow-shoeing in Bulgaria"

I am just back from an 8 days snow-shoeing trip of Traventuria, with Mitko (Dimiter) as the group guide. GREAT adventure! Amazing views from snow covered high altitude forests and mountain peaks, interesting country and wellcoming people to discover, tasty and diverse local food. All aspects of the trip were excellently taken care by Traventuria, from the nice hotels, the restaurants for dinners, the rented equipment and the itinery. But above all, the personsl touch and responsibility of Mitko our guide is what gave it a 5 stars experience- very informative about Bulgaria in general and the areas we visited speciffically, highly responsible for the group and while driving, and with a very friendly and patient attitude at all times. Ofcourse we all had few Raqyias (local drink) together, and even dancing together dressed in traditional clothing in a beautiful restaurant in a village near Bansko.
Highly recommended.
Enjoy!

"Snow shoeing trip in February"

I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves the outdoors. I was part of a group of 8,and our guide was Mitko, who was most professional at all times. We had a busy schedule, up early every morning to make the most of the day. Mitko is an excellent, safe driver and a first-class navigator. He paced our walks to suit everyone. His knowledge of Bulgarian history greatly added to the trip, and he could not have been more helpful in answering all our questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the week.ion.

"8-days Snowshoeing tour in Bulgaria"

Two days ago I finished an amazing 8-days snowshoeing tour in Vitosha and Rila mountains. It was a great experience. First, the organization was impeccable. Accommodations, transfers, food, tours etc. was very good organized and at a high level.
Second, special I have a special appreciation to our guide, Dimiter (Mitko) Samounev. He was very professional, patient, knowledgeable, and give us much more than I was expected. He explained to us the history of Bulgaria, advised for the best restaurants and SPA and all this in a very pleasant and friendly way. I highly recommend Mitko to anyone who wants to hike, snowshoeing or travel in any other way in Bulgaria.

"Snowshoing Vitosha,Rila and Purin"

I had a wonderful experience in Bulalgaria. Our Guide for the week Mitko was everything you hope for experienced, friendly ,helpful and very generous with his knowledge. We felt in safe hands at all times and had a super holiday

“Snowshoe Trek Across The Vitosha, Rila and Pirin Mountains”

Had a wonderful week snowshoeing in the Bulgarian mountains! Very well organized also when booking this private trip. Challenging trek with great fun. Our guide Lyuben took us to some nice peaks to see the great views. Friendly accommodations where we’ve been taken good care of. Really a recommendation.